The Community Center

communitycenter: Community Center

History of the Community Center

The Community Center is an historic building with a rich history. It was originally designed in the Italian Renaissance style by Bakersfield architect Orville Clark as a funeral home with integrated living quarters. It was built in 1911 for the Payne family business at an initial cost of $30,000. The building is constructed entirely of brick with tapered column piers on each side of the entrance and was designed to resemble an elegant residence with matching parlors, a distinctive tiled lobby and extensive mahogany interior woodwork and trim. A 1948 renovation added additional flooring space and updated interiors.

Thanks to the generosity of The Wheeler Foundation, JLB’s millennium renovation began in 1996. The building was transformed back to it’s original 1911 design.

Community Center Endowment Fund
In 2003 it was both a dream and a goal of the Sustainer Committee to hold a luncheon to help raise funds to begin an endowment fund to help benefit the Community Center. In the spring of 2003 a luncheon was held which raised the initial $5,000.00 that was deposited in the endowment account. The Junior League of Bakersfield Community Center Endowment Foundation will provide for the perpetual care of the historic facility as it is used for the Junior League of Bakersfield for the betterment of the community. Read more about the history of the Community Center Endowment Fund.


Print This Page   Email This Page